Mr. Barrie Truman,
Hon. Secretary,
Newport @ Shramore Pastoral Council,
Treenbeg,
Newport,
Co. Mayo.
11th October 2004.
Dear Barrie,
I refer to your letter to me dated 17th October 2003 in which you stated that the work I requested at the time would be undertaken. It was the provision of 2 (two) Disabled Parking Bays in a suitable position.
The bays erected at the North side entrance are not suitable for Disabled Drivers but can be used as drop off points and kept clear in case of an emergency in the Church. As a Disabled Driver myself I have seen the difficulty of trying to not only move my car but to get into it after attending a funeral.
It would make more since to have the bays close to the steps inside the entrance to the North side. I met with Padraic Murray some time ago at the Committee’s request and I suggested the proper place to put them.
The flight of steps on the North and South side of the Church has rails. At the moment there are rails, which are broken in different areas. To people who are visually blind and after coming out from the bright lights can be extremely dangerous at night.
There should be continues handrails to finish 840-900mm over flights and 840-1000mm over landings. The handrails should extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom risers and terminate in a closed end that does not project into a route of travel. The first and last steps of any flight should have permanent visually contrasting strip 50-75mm deep across entire width.
Finally, the design of external lighting at the building approach should define the entrance clearly. Good light levels are important at steps and flight of steps. A single light source can result in shadows on treads and risers, and does not facilitate easy travel by people with impaired vision.
I hope this can be of assistance to you all and if you need any further information that might effect the less vulnerable in society feel free to contact me.
Kindest Regards,
………………….
Tom Chambers,
Access Officer for PwDI in Mayo,
"The Billy Ranch",
Knocknageeha,
Newport,
Co. Mayo